e-Bulletin for Parents - 17 September 2021

Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme opens for new applications

The Mainland University Study Subsidy Scheme (MUSSS) aims to support Hong Kong students in pursuing undergraduate studies in the Mainland and ensure that no students will be deprived of post-secondary education opportunity due to a lack of means. The MUSSS comprises two components: “means-tested subsidy” (eligible students who have passed a means test will receive either a full-rate subsidy or a half-rate subsidy, depending on their needs) and “non-means-tested subsidy”. For the 2021/22 academic year, the full-rate subsidy and half-rate subsidy are HK$16,800 and HK$8,400 per annum respectively. The “non-means-tested subsidy” offers a flat rate subsidy of HK$5,600. The subsidy is granted on a yearly basis. The subsidised period is the normal duration of the undergraduate programme pursued by the student concerned in a designated Mainland institution. Eligible applicants can only receive either a means-tested subsidy or a non-means-tested subsidy in a given academic year. The MUSSS is not subject to any quota. For the 2021/22 academic year, there are 189 designated Mainland institutions.

Starting from the 2021/22 academic year, Hong Kong students who have been admitted to Mainland institutions through the School Principal Nomination Scheme under the Scheme for Admission of Hong Kong students to Mainland Higher Education Institutions (Admission Scheme) are also eligible for non-means-tested subsidy, thereby benefitting more students in need. Moreover, to facilitate the submission of applications, eligible Hong Kong students are encouraged to submit their MUSSS applications via the newly developed electronic platform (https://musss.edb.gov.hk).

Students meeting the following criteria may apply for the “means-tested subsidy” for the 2021/22 academic year:

(a) having right of abode or right to land in, or have entered Hong Kong on One-way Permits;

(b) having received and completed senior secondary education in Hong Kong; and

(c) pursuing undergraduate studies in any of the 189 designated Mainland institutions in the 2021/22 academic year.

Students meeting the following criteria may apply for the “non-means-tested subsidy” for the 2021/22 academic year:

(a) having right of abode or right to land in, or have entered Hong Kong on One-way Permits;

(b) having received and completed senior secondary education in Hong Kong;

(d)(1) attained “3322” in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination, i.e. attained Level 3 for Chinese Language and English Language and Level 2 for Mathematics and Liberal Studies; OR

(d)(2) pursuing studies in Huaqiao University through “Pilot Scheme on the Articulation of Hong Kong Sub-degree Graduates to Huaqiao University”; OR

(d)(3) admitted to a Mainland institution through the School Principal Nomination Scheme (SPNS) under the Scheme for Admission of Hong Kong Students to Mainland Higher Education Institutions.

Eligible students are required to submit their applications via the electronic platform or send the completed application forms by post to EDB on or before 18 October 2021. Details of the MUSSS (including the list of designated Mainland institutions) are available at the EDB website (https://www.edb.gov.hk/en/edu-system/postsecondary/policy-doc/musss/).

Enquiries should be directed to 2827 1112 or musss@edb.gov.hk.

The 2020/21 Award Presentation Ceremony of the SOW Creative Writing Competition cum SOW Picture Book Design Competition

The Deputy Secretary for Education, Mrs. HONG CHAN Tsui-wah, attended the 2020/21 Award Presentation Ceremony of the Creative Writing Competition cum Picture Book Design Competition under the campaign “Promoting Positive Values and Attitudes through English Sayings of Wisdom (SOW)” organised by the Curriculum Development Institute of the Education Bureau (EDB) on 20 August 2021. She commended the award-winning schools and students in both competitions.

The EDB has actively implemented the SOW campaign in the 2020/21 school year to encourage students and the community to learn more about English SOW, and develop in students positive values and attitudes through appreciating these inspirational English sayings. The two competitions were well-received with over 1,000 entries from primary and secondary students.

Mrs. Hong was greatly impressed by the performance of the student winners in using the English language effectively in the Creative Writing Competition, and in using visual representations artistically to lend a fresh perspective to illustrating the beauty and essence of different English SOW in the Picture Book Design Competition. She applauded the uniqueness, creativity and excellent language competence students demonstrated. Special thanks were extended to the adjudicators for their support and professional judgement in selecting high-quality winning entries. She also thanked the principals, teachers and parents for their full support of students’ participation in the competitions. Mrs. Hong said that cultivating students’ positive values, attitudes and behaviours is essential for nurturing students’ good character and whole-person development. She appealed to schools for their continued support for the next round of SOW events in the new school year to sustain the momentum of enriching students’ English learning experiences.

In the 2021/22 school year, the EDB will launch a new round of the SOW campaign, with “Hope” as the annual theme, to integrate values education into English Language learning and to convey positive messages to students. Apart from developing and disseminating a variety of learning and teaching resources, for instance, on quotes from famous people and resources to support primary and secondary schools in planning and implementing the “Week of Hope”, a range of diversified learning activities will be organised to encourage students to unleash their creativity and bring positive energy to the campus. The positive messages of the SOW will continue to be brought into the community through promotional materials featured at various public transport networks as well as social media platforms. Details of the campaign in the 2021/22 school year and the relevant learning and teaching resources will be announced via the EDB Circular Memorandum / EDB website (www.edb.gov.hk/sow) from time to time.

SOW